Board Approves New Master’s Program for WTAMU

CANYON, Texas—The Board of Regents of The Texas A&M University System approved West Texas A&M University’s request for a new Master of Science degree program with a major in computer information systems and business analytics during the board’s regular meeting Feb. 9 in College Station. The request will now go to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board for approval.

The program will be housed in the College of Business and will offer WTAMU graduates a strong foundation in computing, data management and mining, cyber security and business analytics. Current faculty will teach the program, and classes will combine lectures, case studies, individual and team projects and student presentation.

It will be a 36 semester-credit-hour non-thesis program that will prepare students for success in today’s data-driven, technology-rich business environment. Students will take 30 hours of required course work in classes ranging from computing and data mining to web and mobile development. Six hours of electives will be available in computer information systems, economics and econometrics and finance.

Minimal costs are expected with the new program. Current faculty, space and equipment resources will be used. One new faculty position is expected to be added during the program’s third year. The program’s proposed start date is fall of 2017.

In other business, the board approved the University’s request to award an honorary degree to WTAMU alumna and longtime supporter Helen Piehl. An honorary Doctor of Philosophy in Education degree will be presented to Piehl at WTAMU’s spring commencement ceremony.

The degree will recognize Piehl’s accomplishments, contributions and service to the field of education. The 1971 alumna’s leadership and philanthropy have supported PK-20 education, educator preparation, agriculture, leadership development and youth and university co-curricular and extracurricular programs. Her support of University programs, scholarships and facilities has significantly advanced the mission of the University and her generosity has benefited not only WTAMU students but the Panhandle community as well.

The board also approved the naming of a smart classroom in the Engineering and Computer Sciences Building. The room will be named the Golden Spread Electric Cooperative, Inc. Classroom. The classroom, sponsored by Golden Spread Electric Cooperative, Inc., reflects the company’s support of engineering in the Texas Panhandle.